Adjustable Gown

ABSTRACT

An adjustable gown ( 100 ) includes a closing component and a cinching component. The closing component includes at least three closing elements ( 107,109,110,111 ). A first closing element ( 107 ) is coupled a first side of the back portion of the gown, while the remaining closing elements ( 109,110,111 ) are disposed distally from each other on a second side of the back portion. A wearer can couple the first closing element to one of the remaining closing elements to make the adjustable gown a first size, or may couple the first closing element to another of the remaining closing elements to make the adjustable gown a second size different from the first size. The cinching component can include a drawstring ( 203 ), snap fastener strips ( 950 ), or combinations thereof.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to gowns, and more particularly to adjustable gowns.

2. Background Art

Patients frequently wear gowns during medical procedures. The gowns allow medical professionals to easily access parts of the body under treatment, while at the same time preserving patient dignity by keeping the patient covered.

Prior art gowns generally are offered in a “one size fits one” configuration. Said differently, manufacturers of patient gowns generally offer gowns in different sizes, with each size accommodating a different size of patient. The problem with this approach is that hospitals and other health care service providers must stock a wide variety of sizes of gowns. Not only is this expensive, but it is time consuming for a health care services provider to determine a patient's size and sift through the large inventory of gowns to find one that will fit.

It would be advantageous to have a gown that fits more than one size of patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a wearer donning one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, as well as adjusting the size of the gown in accordance with one or more methods of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wearer having cinched one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrate a wearer donning one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, as well as adjusting the size of the gown in accordance with one or more methods of the present invention.

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate adjustment of one cinching structure configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a wearer wearing one adjustable gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention after adjustment and cinching of the gown.

FIG. 22 illustrates one method of donning a gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an adjustable gown having an adjustable closing component and an adjustable cinching component. The closing component includes a plurality of closing elements. By selecting to which of the remaining closing elements a first closing element is to be coupled, a wearer can adjust the gown between a plurality of sizes. To further adjust the size of the gown, a cinching component allows the wearer to gather portions of the gown in a perimetric waist region.

In one embodiment, the closing component comprises a plurality of ties. A first tie is placed on one side of an opening passing along the backside of the gown. Remaining ties are disposed along the other side distally from each other. In one embodiment, the remaining ties are spaced periodically along the other side, with equal distances separating each tie. The plurality of ties allows a larger wearer to enlarge the gown, while at the same time allowing a smaller wearer to reduce the gown's size.

The cinching component, in one embodiment, is a drawstring passing along one side of the gown, such as the front side. In one embodiment, the drawstring is disposed in a channel to form a “tunnel belt.” In one embodiment, the tunnel belt runs from one sides seam to another, thereby passing about only half of the gown. The drawstring can be configured to emanate from the channel through apertures, which are configured as buttonholes in one or more embodiments. By tying two halves of the drawstring, the wearer can cinch the cinching component to further adjust the size of the gown. In one embodiment, the drawstring is crossed through for ease of tightening. In one or more embodiments, the drawstring can be tacked within the channel at the sides to keep it firm. A drawstring in a channel is one embodiment, although others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. For example, the drawstring in channel can be replaced with a built-in cord elastically coupled to the gown.

In another embodiment, the closing component comprises a plurality of snap fasteners. The snap fasteners, which can be metal or plastic, function in a similar fashion to the ties. A first snap feature is placed on one side of the opening, while remaining snap features are disposed along the other side, with space disposed between each of the remaining snap features. A wearer selects the size of the gown by selecting one of the remaining snap features and coupling the first snap feature to the selected snap feature.

In a gown employing snaps, the cinching component can comprise one or more snap feature strips. The snap feature strips each have one snap feature of a first type, e.g., a male or “post” snap feature, with a plurality of snap features of a second type, e.g., female or “socket” snap features. A wearer can select one of the second type of snap feature to couple the first snap feature to, with the selection corresponding to an amount of gown material that is “gathered” in the loop formed when the snap feature strip is closed. The snap feature strips can be color coded, i.e., colored so as to be visibly distinct from other snap features disposed along the gown, to assist a wearer or health care services provider in determining which snap features belong to the cinching component and which belong to the closing component.

Gowns configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications. For example, in one embodiment, the sleeves are configured as “IV” sleeves, in that they have openings through which intravenous medical apparatuses may pass. The openings may have their own closing mechanism in addition to the adjustable closing mechanism and the cinching mechanism. Additionally, one or more pockets can be added to the gown as needed for particular applications.

In one or more embodiments, the neck openings also include adjustable closing mechanisms. Where included, in addition to adjusting the size of the gown, the wearer can adjust the size of the neck opening, thereby ensuring the appropriate fit.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, illustrated therein is one adjustable gown 100 configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable gown 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a front, elevation view of the adjustable gown, while FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, elevation view of the adjustable gown.

A body covering portion 201 is configured to wrap about the torso of a wearer. In one embodiment, the adjustable gown 100 is manufactured from a washable fabric, such as cotton, polyester, or a cotton polyester blend. In another embodiment, the adjustable gown 100 is manufactured from non-woven fabric so as to be disposable. In one or more embodiments, the adjustable gown 100 includes a water resistant lining that prevents the passage of fluids through the body covering portion 201. Antimicrobial or antibacterial coatings or treatments may be applied to the material forming the adjustable gown 100 as well.

As noted above, the adjustable gown 100 can be configured for a variety of applications. Accordingly, the adjustable gown 100 can be configured in a variety of lengths. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the adjustable gown 100 is configured with a length 113 that runs from a wearer's shoulder to below their knee. Examples of length 113 include 41 inches and 48.5 inches. It will be clear to those having the benefit of this disclosure that such a length 113 is illustrative only, as the adjustable gown 100 can be configured with other lengths without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the various sides do not have to be the same length. For example, the front of the adjustable gown 100, shown in FIG. 2, can be longer or shorter than the back of the adjustable gown 100, shown in FIG. 3.

A first sleeve 102 and a second sleeve 103 extend distally from the body covering portion 201. The length 210 of the sleeves 102,103 can be, for example, 17.25 inches. The sleeve opening 211 may measure, for example 23 inches or 24.5 inches. The first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 103 are configured to receive wearer's arms when the adjustable gown 100 is donned. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the first sleeve 102 and second sleeve 103 are illustrated as short sleeves. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of disclosure that embodiments of the invention are not so limited. Adjustable gowns in accordance with embodiments of the invention may equally be configured with long sleeves or no sleeves has a particular application may warrant. As noted above, one or both of the short sleeves can be configured as IV sleeves where an opening 301 extends down the side of one or both sleeves. The opening 301 can include a closing mechanism, which may be snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, or other closing devices that are disposed on each side of the opening 301.

A front portion 204 of the adjustable gown 100 is configured for placement against the front of the torso. The front portion 204 may have a width 209 of, for example, 53.5 inches or 56 inches. The base of the front portion 204 may have a width 212 of, for example, 63.5 inches or 65 inches. The body covering portion 201 then wraps around the torso and terminates at an opening 104. The opening 104, in one embodiment, is disposed between a first back portion 106 and a second back portion 108. Said differently, the first back portion 106 and the second back portion 108 define the opening 104 therebetween. Note that the opening 104 is shown on the back side of the adjustable gown 100 for illustration only. The opening 104 could also be located on a side of the adjustable gown 100, or in the front as well.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the opening 104 is configured to run the length 113 of the body covering portion 201, up the back of the adjustable gown 100, and terminating at a neck opening 105. The first back portion 106 and second back portion 108 of the body opening 104 are configured to permit the wearer to don the adjustable gown 100 by wrapping the first back portion 106 and second back portion 108 about the wearer's torso.

In one embodiment, the adjustable gown 100 is configured with a closing component. The closing component is configured to close the opening 104 once the first back portion 106 and the second back portion 108 are wrapped around the torso. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the closing component is adjustable such that a wearer can cause the adjustable gown 100 to be one of a plurality of sizes, with the selected size depending upon the configuration of the closing component.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the closing component comprises a plurality of closing elements 107,109,110,111. The closing elements 107,109,110,111 of FIGS. 1-3 are configured as ties. A first closing element 107 is coupled to the second back portion 108 of the adjustable gown 100, while the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 are disposed distally from each other on the first back portion 106. This configuration is illustrative only. For example, the first closing element 107 could be coupled to the first back portion 106, with the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 being disposed along the second back portion 108. Additionally, while three remaining closing elements 109,110,111 are shown, this number is but one example of the number of remaining closing elements than can be used, Two, four, five, six, or more remaining closing elements can be used to offer a wider variety of adjustable sizes.

In one embodiment, the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 are periodically displaced from each other, with an equal distance between each closing element 109,110,111. This configuration is illustrative only. The remaining closing elements 109,110,111 can be displaced in an ascending arrangement, with a distance between each closing element 109,110,111 getting larger from left to right, or vice versa. Similarly, the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 can be displaced in a descending arrangement, with a distance between each closing element getting smaller from left to right, or vice versa. Other arrangements could also be used. In one embodiment, the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 are displaced from each other between an edge 114 of the first back portion 106 and a side seam 206.

In one or more embodiments, the closing elements 107,109,110,111 are configured to be a different color from the body covering portion 201. For example, the closing elements 107,109,110,111 can be white or yellow, while the body covering portion 201 is blue, and so forth.

Where the body covering portion 201 is manufactured from a washable material, the closing elements 107,109,110,111 may also be manufactured from a durable, washable material. For example, in one embodiment the closing elements 107,109,110,111 are each manufactured from twill. The closing elements 107,109,110,111 can be manufactured from the same material as the body covering portion 201, or from different material The closing elements 107,109,110,111 can be reinforced, such as with a layer of reinforcing material or with reinforcement stitching.

The closing elements 107,109,110,111 can be coupled or disposed on the body covering portion 201 in a variety of ways. Where the body covering portion 201 is manufactured from a washable material, the closing elements 107,109,110,111 can be sewn to the body covering portion at a base joiner 112. Where the body covering portion 201 is manufactured from a disposable material, the closing elements 107,109,110,111 can be attached by adhesives, thermal bonding, or other coupling processes.

A wearer can adjust the size of the adjustable gown 100 by selecting to which of the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 the first closing element 107 should be coupled. For example, when a wearer couples the first closing element 107 to closing element 109, the adjustable gown 100 is configured with a first size. When the wearer couples the first closing element 107 to closing element 110, the adjustable gown 100 is configured with a second size, with the second size being smaller than the first. When the wearer couples the first closing element 107 to closing element 111, the adjustable gown 100 is configured with a third size, which is the smallest size in this illustration. Stated generally, coupling the first closing element 107 to one of the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 configures the adjustable gown 100 in a first size, and coupling the first closing element 107 to another of the remaining closing elements 109,110,111 configures the adjustable gown 100 in a second size different from the first size.

The neck opening 105 can also have a plurality of closing elements 117,118,119,120. The neck opening 105 can be a round neck, V-neck, or other configuration. As with closing elements 107,109,110,111, the neck opening closing elements 117,118,119,120 provide a mechanism by which the perimetric size of the neck opening 105 can be adjusted. In this illustrative embodiment, two closing elements 117,118 are disposed on the second back portion 108, while the other two closing elements 119,120 are disposed on the first back portion 106. The two closing elements 117,118 can be color coded so as to identify which closing element 117,118 is normally coupled to a complementary closing element. For example, if closing element 117 is blue and closing element 118 is white, a user will know to couple closing element 118 to a corresponding white closing element disposed along the neck opening 105. Similarly, closing elements 119,120 may be color coded as well.

A wearer can adjust the size of the neck opening 105 by selecting to which of closing elements 117,118,119,120 should be coupled together. For example, when a wearer couples closing element 117 to closing element 119, the neck opening 105 is configured with a first perimetric size. Similarly, when the wearer couples closing element 117 to closing element 120, the neck opening 105 is configured with a second perimetric size, with the second perimetric size being smaller than the first perimetric size. The largest perimetric size of the neck opening 105 in this example occurs when closing element 117 is coupled to closing element 119. The smallest perimetric size of the neck opening 105 in this example occurs when closing element 118 is coupled to closing element 120.

In one or more embodiments, in addition to the closing component described above, the adjustable gown 100 is further configured with an adjustable cinching component. The adjustable cinching component allows a wearer to further adjust the size and fit of the adjustable gown 100. In this illustrative embodiment, the adjustable cinching component is configured to adjust a firth of the body covering portion 201.

With attention to FIG. 2, in this illustrative component the adjustable cinching component comprises a drawstring 203. The drawstring 203 in this example is configured to cinch the front portion 204 of the adjustable gown 100 so as not to interfere with the opening 104 or the closing component. As such, in this illustrative embodiment the drawstring 203 is attached to the body covering portion 201 at side seams 205,206 such that the drawstring 203 can adjust the girth of the body covering portion 201 only along the front portion 204. In this illustrative embodiment, the drawstring 203 is disposed within a drawstring channel 207 that passes along a waist region 208 of the front portion 204. The drawstring channel 207 can be manufactured by employing a strip of material that is sewn to the back side of the front portion 204. The drawstring 203 can be a tie, but can be a belt, twill tape, or other material. The drawstring 203 in this example comprises a first drawstring element being coupled to a first side seam 205, and a second drawstring element being coupled to a second side seam 206. Each drawstring element then emanates from the drawstring channel 207 in a naval region 219 of the front portion 204. The holes through which the drawstring elements emanate can be reinforced. For example, in a simple embodiment, the holes can be configured as button holes. As noted above, other structures can be substituted for the drawstring 203 and drawstring channel 207 arrangement shown in this illustrative embodiment. For example, an elastically coupled, built-in cord can be used instead.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-8, illustrated therein are methods of donning and adjusting one adjustable gown 400 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 4, a wearer 440 is seen donning the adjustable gown 400. Specifically, the wearer 440 has inserted his head into the neck opening 405. Also, the wearer 440 has inserted his arms into the sleeves 402,403. Closing elements 407,409,410,411 are initially untied as shown in FIG. 4. The wearer 440 will be able to select a size by determining which of closing elements 409,410,411 to couple to closing element 407.

FIG. 5 illustrates the adjustable gown 400 when closing element 407 has been coupled to closing element 410. As the closing elements 407,410 are ties in this illustration, the coupling comprises tying closing element 407 to closing element 410. This results in the adjustable gown 400 being a first size. In this example, the first size is a “medium” size. Since the closing elements 407,410 are disposed about the waist of the wearer, the adjustment occurring by selection from closing elements 409,410,411 results in a change in perimetric size of the adjustable gown 400.

FIG. 6 illustrates the adjustable gown 400 when closing element 407 has been coupled to closing element 409. As the closing elements 407,409 are ties in this illustration, the coupling comprises tying closing element 407 to closing element 409. This results in the adjustable gown 400 being a second size that is larger than the first size. In this example, the second size is a “large” size.

FIG. 7 illustrates the adjustable gown 400 when closing element 407 has been coupled to closing element 411. As the closing elements 407,411 are ties in this illustration, the coupling comprises tying closing element 407 to closing element 411. This results in the adjustable gown 400 being third size, which is smaller than either the first size or the second size. In this example, the third size is a “small” size. As noted above, adding more closing elements to the adjustable gown provide finer granularity in size selection.

Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is the wearer 440 having cinched the adjustable gown 400 about the waist. Specifically, the wearer 440 has drawn and tied the drawstring 803 of the cinching structure to further adjust the perimetric size of the body covering portion 801 of the adjustable gown 400. Once cinched, the drawstring 803 is tied in a naval region of the wearer's waist.

To this point, the closing elements have been described as ties. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that embodiments of the invention are not so limited. The closing elements can take any number of forms, including ties, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or combinations thereof. Snap fasteners and buttons are well known in the art. Examples of hook and loop fasteners are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,437 to De Mestral, which is incorporated herein by reference. FIGS. 9-11 provide one example of a gown 900 having an alternative closing element, although it will be understood that FIGS. 9-11 can provide a general representation of an alternate fastener embodiment that shows those of ordinary skill in the art how any of buttons, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or other closing elements could be used.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-11, illustrated therein is a gown 900 configured with alternative closing elements in accordance with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the gown 900. FIG. 10 illustrates a rear, elevation view of the adjustable gown, while FIG. 11 illustrates a front, elevation view of the adjustable gown.

A body covering portion 1101 defines an opening 904. The body covering portion 1101 is configured to wrap about the torso of a wearer. The opening 904 has a first side 906 and a second side 908. A front portion 1104 of the gown 900 is configured for placement against the front of the torso.

The gown 900 is configured with a closing structure. The closing structure is configured to close the opening 904 once the first side 906 and the second side 908 are wrapped around the torso. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, the closing structure is adjustable such that a wearer can cause the gown 900 to be one of a plurality of perimetric sizes, with the selected perimetric size depending upon the configuration of the closing component.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, the closing component comprises a plurality of closing elements 907,909,910,911. The closing elements 907,909,910,911 of FIGS. 9-11 are configured as snap fasteners. A first closing element 907 is coupled to the first side 906 of the opening 904, while the remaining closing elements 909,910,911 are disposed distally from each other on the second side 908 of the opening 904. As with FIGS. 1-3 above, this configuration is illustrative only. The snap fasteners can be metal or plastic. Some applications, such as magnetic resonant imaging applications, may employ plastic snap elements so as not to interfere with the process for which the gown 900 is designed.

As seen in FIG. 9, the snap fasteners can be of different types. For example, closing element 907 is shown as being a first type, i.e., a female or “socket” type snap fastener. Closing elements 909,910,911 are shown as being a second type, i.e., male or “post” type snap fasteners. Of course, the opposite could also be true. Closing element 907 could be a post type fastener, while closing elements 909,910,911 could be socket type fasteners.

A wearer can adjust the size of the gown 900 by selecting to which of the remaining closing elements 909,910,911 the first closing element 907 should be coupled. For example, when a wearer couples the first closing element 907 to closing element 909, the gown 900 is configured with a first size. When the wearer couples the first closing element 907 to closing element 910, the gown 900 is configured with a second size, with the second size being smaller than the first. When the wearer couples the first closing element 907 to closing element 911, the gown 900 is configured with a third size, which is the smallest size in this illustration. Stated generally, the perimetric size of the body covering portion 1101 can be adjusted by coupling the first closing element 907 to different ones of the plurality of complementary closing elements 909,910,911. In this fashion, the closing structure of FIGS. 9-11 is similar in function to that of FIGS. 1-3.

The neck opening 905 can also have a plurality of closing elements 917,918,919,920. As with closing elements 907,909,910,911, the neck opening closing elements 917,918,919,920 provide a mechanism by which the perimetric size of the neck opening 905 can be adjusted. In this illustrative embodiment, two closing elements 917,918 are disposed on the first side 106 of the opening 904, while the other two closing elements 919,920 are disposed on the second side 908 of the opening 904. Each of the closing elements 917,918,919,920 of this embodiment is a snap fastener. Closing elements 917,918 are socket type fasteners, while closing elements 919,920 are post fasteners.

A wearer can adjust the size of the neck opening 905 by selecting to which of closing elements 917,918,919,920 should be coupled together. For example, when a wearer couples closing element 917 to closing element 919, the neck opening 905 is configured with a first perimetric size. Similarly, when the wearer couples closing element 917 to closing element 920, the neck opening 905 is configured with a second perimetric size, with the second perimetric size being smaller than the first perimetric size. The largest perimetric size of the neck opening 905 in this example occurs when closing element 917 is coupled to closing element 919. The smallest perimetric size of the neck opening 905 in this example occurs when closing element 918 is coupled to closing element 920.

While the closing structure of FIGS. 9-11 functions similarly to that of FIGS. 1-3, the cinching structure is different when snap fasteners are employed. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, the cinching structure comprises one or more snap fastener strips 950,1050. The snap fastener strips 950,1050 are disposed along hip regions of the gown 900 in this illustrative embodiment, although they could be disposed at other locations along the waist region as well.

Turning briefly to FIGS. 16-19, illustrated therein is one embodiment of a snap fastener strip 950 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Beginning with FIG. 16, the snap fastener strip 950 includes a snap element 1601 of a first type, illustrated in FIG. 16 as a post snap element, and a plurality of snap elements 1602,1603,1604 disposed distally from each other along a base member 1605. In this embodiment, the plurality of snap elements 1602,1603,1604 are socket snap elements, although snap element 1601 could be a socket snap element with the plurality of snap elements 1602,1603,1604 each being post snap elements. In this embodiment, the base member 1605 is a layer of sturdy fabric, such as twill. IN one embodiment, the base member 1605 is configured to be a different color than the gown (900) so that the snap fastener strip 950 will be visually distinct from both the gown (900) and other closing elements disposed along the gown (900). The base member 1605 can be sewn to the gown (900), or adhered by other methods, such as adhesives or thermal bonding.

The first snap element 1601 can be coupled to any of the plurality of snap elements 1602,1603,1604. Depending upon which of the plurality of snap elements 1602,1603,1604 the first snap element 1601 is coupled, an amount of gown material will be gathered. For instance, in FIG. 17, snap element 1601 is coupled to snap element 1602. This causes a first amount 1701 of gown material to be gathered by the base member 1605. In FIG. 18, the snap element 1601 has been coupled to snap element 1603. This causes a second amount 1801 of gown material to be gathered. Since snap element 1603 is farther from snap element 1601 than was snap element 1602, the second amount 1801 of gown material is greater than the first amount 1701 of gown material. In FIG. 19, snap element 1601 is coupled to snap element 1604. This causes a third amount 1901 of gown material to be gathered by the base member 1605. Since snap element 1604 is farther from snap element 1601 than either snap element 1602 or snap element 1603, the third amount 1901 of gown material is greater than either the second amount 1801 or the first amount 1701 of gown material. Note that this example includes four snap elements. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that embodiments of the invention are not so limited. Two, three, five, six, or more snap elements could be disposed along the snap fastener strip 950 to provide more granularity is cinch capability.

To illustrate the cinching effect of the snap fastener strip 950, refer now back to FIG. 11. Snap fastener strip 1050 is shown with a first type of snap element coupled to a second type of snap element, thereby cinching 1105 the gown material to a maximum extent. By contrast, snap fastener strip 950 is unfastened, thereby expanding the gown material to a maximum extent.

Turning now to FIGS. 12-15, illustrated therein are methods of donning and adjusting one gown 1200 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 12, a wearer 1240 is seen donning the gown 1200. Specifically, the wearer 1240 has inserted his head into the neck opening 1205. Also, the wearer 1240 has inserted his arms into the sleeves 1202,1203. Closing elements 1207,1209,1210,1211 are initially untied as shown in FIG. 12. The wearer 1240 will be able to select a size by determining which of closing elements 1209,1210,1211 to couple to closing element 1207.

FIG. 13 illustrates the gown 1200 when closing element 1207 has been coupled to closing element 1210 (covered by closing element 1207, but shown in FIG. 12). As the closing elements 1207,1210 are snap elements in this illustration, the coupling comprises pressing closing element 1207 together with closing element 1210. This results in the gown 1200 being a first size. In this example, the first size is a “medium” size. Since the closing elements 1207,1210 are disposed about the waist of the wearer, the adjustment occurring by selection from closing elements 1209,1210,1211 results in a change in perimetric size of the gown 1200.

FIG. 14 illustrates the gown 1200 when closing element 1207 has been coupled to closing element 2109 (covered by closing element 1207, but shown in FIG. 12). This results in the gown 1200 being a second size that is larger than the first size. In this example, the second size is a “large” size. FIG. 15 illustrates the gown 1200 when closing element 1207 has been coupled to closing element 1211 (covered by closing element 1207, but shown in FIG. 12). This results in the gown 1200 being third size, which is smaller than either the first size or the second size. In this example, the third size is a “small” size. As noted above, adding more closing elements to the adjustable gown provide finer granularity in size selection.

Turning now to FIGS. 20 and 21, illustrated therein is the wearer 1240 having adjusted the gown 1200 to the medium size by coupling closing element 1207 to closing element 1210 (covered by closing element 1207, but shown in FIG. 12). Additionally, the wearer 1240 has cinched the gown 1200 about the waist by coupling together snap elements on each of the snap fastener strips 2050,5021. This cinching action further tailors the fit in the waist region 2101 of the gown 1200.

Turning now to FIG. 22, illustrated therein is one method 2100 of donning and adjusting a gown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Many of the steps of the method 2100 have been graphically illustrated in the preceding figures, and thus will be mentioned only briefly here.

At step 2101, a wearer accesses a gown configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the gown comprises a body covering portion defining an opening. A first side of gown material is disposed on one side of the opening, and a second side of gown material is disposed on the other side of the opening. The gown can include an adjustable closing structure comprising a first closing element coupled to one of the first side or the second side and a plurality of complementary closing elements disposed about apart from each other along a waist region of another of the first side or the second side.

At step 2102, the wearer dons the gown. In one embodiment, this comprises wrapping the body covering portion about a torso. At step 2103, the wearer adjusts the gown. This can be accomplished in one embodiment by selecting one of the plurality of complementary closing elements and coupling the first closing element to a selected complementary closing element corresponding to a selected size. At step 2104, the wearer can cinch the gown. In one embodiment, this comprises adjusting a cinching structure to chinch the body covering portion about a waist of the torso.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. For example, while one embodiment included ties as closing elements, and another included snap fastener strips as a cinching component, these two can be combined into a single gown with the snap fastener strips replacing the function of the draw string.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. 

1. An adjustable gown, comprising: a body covering portion having front portion, a first back portion, and a second back portion, the first back portion and the second back portion defining an opening therebetween; and a closing component comprising at least three closing elements, wherein a first closing element coupled to one of the first back portion or the second back portion, and remaining closing elements are disposed distally from each other on another of the first back portion or the second back portion; wherein coupling the first closing element to one of the remaining closing elements configures the adjustable gown in a first size, and coupling the first closing element to another of the remaining closing elements configures the adjustable gown in a second size different from the first size.
 2. The adjustable gown of claim 1, wherein the at least three closing elements each comprise ties.
 3. The adjustable gown of claim 1, wherein the at least three closing elements each comprise snap fasteners.
 4. The adjustable gown of claim 1, wherein the at least three closing elements comprise four or more closing elements, wherein the remaining closing elements are periodically displaced from one another.
 5. The adjustable gown of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable cinching component configured to adjust a girth of the body covering portion.
 6. The adjustable gown of claim 5, wherein the adjustable cinching component comprises a drawstring.
 7. The adjustable gown of claim 6, wherein the drawstring is attached to the body covering portion at side seams such that the drawstring is configured to adjust the girth of the body covering portion only along the front portion.
 8. The adjustable gown of claim 7, wherein the drawstring is disposed in a drawstring channel disposed along a waist region of the front portion, with each drawstring element emanating from the drawstring channel in a naval region of the front portion.
 9. The adjustable gown of claim 5, wherein the adjustable cinching component comprises one or more snap fastener strips, each of the one or more snap fastener strips comprising a snap element of a first type and a plurality of snap elements of a second type disposed distally from each other.
 10. The adjustable gown of claim 9, wherein the snap element of the first type comprises a post element, and the snap element of the second type comprises a socket element.
 11. The adjustable gown of claim 9, wherein the one or more snap fastener strips are disposed along a base member having a color different from the body covering portion to distinguish the one or more snap fastener strips from the closing component.
 12. The adjustable gown of claim 1, wherein the closing component comprises a plurality of hook or loop fastening elements.
 13. The adjustable gown of claim 1, wherein the closing component comprises a plurality of button or button-hole components.
 14. The adjustable gown of claim 1, wherein the remaining closing elements are displaced from each other between an edge of the another of the first back portion or the second back portion and a side seam.
 15. A gown, comprising: a body covering portion defining an opening, the opening having a first side and a second side; and an adjustable closing structure comprising a first closing element coupled to one of the first side or the second side and a plurality of complementary closing elements disposed about apart from each other along a waist region of another of the first side or the second side; wherein a perimetric size of the body covering portion can be adjusted by coupling the first closing element to different ones of the plurality of complementary closing elements.
 16. The gown of claim 15, wherein: when the first closing element is coupled to one of the plurality of complementary closing elements the gown has a first perimetric size; and when the first closing element is coupled to another of the plurality of complementary closing elements the gown has a second perimetric size.
 17. The gown of claim 15, wherein the first closing element and the plurality of complementary closing elements are one of ties, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or combinations thereof.
 18. The gown of claim 15, further comprising a cinching structure configured to further adjust the perimetric size of the body covering portion.
 19. A method of donning a gown, comprising: accessing gown comprising: a body covering portion defining an opening, the opening having a first side and a second side; and an adjustable closing structure comprising a first closing element coupled to one of the first side or the second side and a plurality of complementary closing elements disposed about apart from each other along a waist region of another of the first side or the second side; wrapping the body covering portion about a torso; and adjusting a size of the gown by: selecting one of the plurality of complementary closing elements; and coupling the first closing element to a selected complementary closing element corresponding to a selected size.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising adjusting a cinching structure to chinch the body covering portion about a waist of the torso. 